Can Dogs Taste Blueberries?

Introduction

Blueberries are a delicious sweet treat. They are low in calories, packed full of health benefits, and can be eaten in a wide variety of ways. You may be wondering if dogs can help you snack on your pint of fresh blueberries.

The good news is your dog can safely enjoy blueberries as a healthy treat, whether plain or baked into a yummy dog biscuit! Blueberries don't come with any health risks for your dog like some other fruits can pose. Let's take a look at why blueberries are so good for your dog and how you can incorporate them into their diet.

Signs of a Dog Liking Blueberries

Blueberries are packed full of healthy benefits and nutritious vitamins and minerals that are great for both humans and dogs alike. Blueberries are safe for dogs to consume and do not pose any health risks due to their small size - they have no seeds and are high in nutrition. They are great for both large and small dogs as well.

What makes them so great is that you don't have to prepare the berries in any special way, like you have to do with apples, cherries, melons, and other fruits. Your dog can eat the whole berry! All dogs are different, so some dogs may not enjoy the taste or the texture of blueberries.

If you want to include blueberries in your dog's diet, you can do so without concern, however, some dogs may be sensitive to blueberries if they consume too many at a time. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, they may experience some temporary loose stools, but it should pass rather quickly.

Blueberries are naturally sweet and delicious and most dogs love the taste of them, even if they are not too fond of them at first. You will be able to tell if your dog loves blueberries through their body language signs. To tell if your dog does enjoy this fruit, watch if they eat the fruit without hesitation, if they wag their tail or keep their tail upright, if they look alert and raise their ears with attention and excitement, or even bark, whine, cry, or beg at your for more of the blueberries!

Body Language

Here are some signs you might notice when your dog likes blueberries:

Barking

Whining

Wag tail

Pacing

Lip licking

Drooling

Tail up

Ears up

Other Signs

These are some other signs you may notice if your dog likes blueberries:

Staring at the Food

Begging or Whining for More

Gobbling Them Up

History of Blueberries

Blueberries first made their appearance hundreds of years ago when Native Americans gathered these little, tasty treats. Native Americans ate blueberries fresh and also dried the berries for the harsh winter months when the berries were not available. Blueberries were not just enjoyed in meals and as a snack, but they also crushed and juiced the berries to make them into cough syrup. They used the leaves of the berries to make a tea to help with fortifying blood. Blueberries were also used to dye and color clothing.

As blueberries production increased over the years, berries became mass produced and increased in size and plumpness. The health benefits of blueberries also became better understood. During the Civil War period, soldiers drank a special blueberry drink in aims to improve their overall health during battle. Today, blueberries are widely consumed for their delicious taste and their health benefits just as they were many years ago.

Most dog owners report that their pups will gladly munch on blueberries as a healthy snack, when mixed into their breakfast, or when used as a low-calorie training treat. Some report that blueberries even help make training their dog easier due to a chemical within the blueberry, called anthocyanin, which helps improve memory - especially if your dog is older in age.

Science Behind Dogs and Blueberries

We know that blueberries are extremely good for us and our dogs, but what actually makes them so special? Firstly, blueberries contain high levels of flavonoids that have a lot of antioxidants and strong anti-inflammatory properties. These special antioxidants help to fight and protect against free radicals that can cause cell damage. These compounds help prevent cell damage and benefit red blood cells. They will also help to protect your dog's heart.

The anti-inflammatory properties of blueberries also help to decrease inflammation within your dog's body by preventing signals in the body that tell the cells to inflame. Cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes in the blueberry stop the inflammation process.

Since your dog receives all of these amazing health benefits from the berries, you will be able to tell it by their actions and body language. Dogs who eat blueberries may have more agility, age better, and be less likely to develop arthritis or suffer from body aches and pains. Blueberries also help prevent certain types of cancer in both humans and dogs. Studies have found they can protect against colon, bladder, and small intestine cancer.

Blueberries also contain high levels of fiber and vitamin C, which are essential for a dog's overall health. Blueberries are low in calories, sugar, and fat, making them a perfect treat for both you and your dog to enjoy together.

Training Dogs to Eat Blueberries

You likely won't have to do much to get your dog to eat blueberries. They are sweet and yummy and your dog will probably just eat them from your hand like a treat. If they do not, you can mix them into your dog's kibble or raw diet or bake them into a homemade dog treat. You can include some of their other favorite treats, such as peanut butter or chicken, into a homemade dog biscuit that they are sure to love.

You can also freeze these little berries and give them to your dog in the summer for a yummy-and-cool frozen treat. This will help keep their body temperature at a comfortable level while also giving them a nutritional boost. The berries may also be blended with ice, chicken broth, and bananas to create a yummy, frozen treat for them as well. It is a great way to add other highly nutritious foods to your pup's diet from time to time.

Whether fresh or frozen, blueberries are great mini-treats during training sessions for your dog. They are low in calories, coming in at just 85 calories per one cup. Training can often take a substantial about of treats and many training treats on the market are high in calories and are highly processed with many chemical additives. Training with blueberries will keep your training sessions healthy and won't turn into calorie bombs for your pooch!